Services Provided Bank of ScotlandBank Account

Barclays BankCash Card Account

HSBCBank Account

NationwideFlexAccount

Royal Bank of ScotlandBasic Account

SantanderInternational Student Account

Bank of China (UK) Ltd

Branch Address (walking time to bank from George Square)

4 Bristo Square (5 minutes)Also at:The Royal Mile, 300 Lawnmarket (10 minutes)

10-15 Princes Street (20 minutes)

118 Princes Street(25 minutes)Also at:76 Hanover Street(25 minutes)

71 George Street(25 minutes)Also at:320 Morningside Road(45 minutes)

30 Nicolson Street (5 minutes)Also at:36 St Andrew Square (25 minutes)

University Branch5/2 Bristo Square (5 minutes)Also at:82 Newington Road (10 minutes)

450 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3JDVery Frequent bus/train services between Edinburgh and Glasgow

How to open and manage an account

Open in branch or online

Manage account:In branchOnline 24 hour telephone banking

Open in branch

Manage account:Online24 hour telephone bankingMobile banking

Open in branch or online

Manage account:Online24 hour telephone bankingMobile bankingText alerts

Apply online or visit a branch to fill in application.

Manage account:Online24 hour telephone banking

Open in branch, online or by phone.

Manage account:Online24 hour telephone banking

Open in branch.

Manage account:In branchOnline24 hour telephone banking

Open in branch.

Online banking/ telephone banking during working hours.English, Mandarin and Cantonese dialect services also available.

Minimum amount to open account

None None None None None NoneFree international transfers into account

Returnable £50.00 minimum balance on closure of A/C.Free international transfer into account.Free Chinese Banker’s Draft paid into account.No foreign currencies exchange commission. Cash cheques and save cash at any UK HSBC branches.

Length of time to open an account

Bank account opened in branch at appointment. Card in approx. 5 working days.

3 – 5 workings days Open in branch, no contract, no fee.Card in approx 5 working days.

Account opened at appointment. Card in 7 to 10 working days

5 – 7 days. No appointment needed. Account opened same day, Card sent in 3-5 working days.

Account opened the same day and in branch only. Can open an account using any currency including RMB.

Cash Card Yes Yes Visa Debit card Yes Visa Debit card Visa Debit card Visa Debit card

Direct Debits and Standing Orders

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Duration of stay in UK

None You should be studying on a course for a minimum of 2 academic years

Visa must have 12 months remaining at the time of opening

None Course needs to be longer than 6 months to open an account

None.Can cancel account at any time without fees/ penalties

None.Can cancel account at any time without fees

* Bank statements

Receive quarterly statements and can request extra statements through Branch counter/telephone banking or online

Monthly Can be provided on request Monthly Monthly Monthly

Statements/ bank letter can also be provided on request at the bank

Monthly

Official statements can also be provided on request at the bank

ID to open an account

(i) Passport (with UK visa) (ii) University Letter of Introduction

(i) Passport (with UK visa) (ii) University Letter of Introduction

(i) Passport (with UK visa)(ii) University Letter of Introduction(ii) Evidence of home address

(i) Passport (with UK visa) and (ii) University Letter of Introduction (iii) Proof of address

(i) Passport (with UK visa) and (ii) University Letter of Introduction (iii) Valid student card

(i) Passport (with UK visa) and (ii) University Letter of Introduction or student card

(i)Passport (with UK visa) and(ii)University letter of introduction(iii) Proof of address

* You will require original banks statements if you are applying for a visa extension.

BANKING COMPARISON TABLE

Produced by International Office, The University of Edinburgh